New statistics was released today by authorities about the number of students from foreign countries currently studying in the USA. There are 1.2 million international students on a student visa.

Based on data extracted from SEVIS database international student enrollment at U.S. schools was up eight percent compared to November 2014. 39% percent of international students studying in the United States, equating to more than 460,000 individuals, were enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) coursework in November. 87% percent of international students pursuing STEM studies were from Asia.

South Korea ranks third overall for number of students that come to study in the United States. South Korean students account for seven percent of the United States’ international student population. Forty percent of international students from South Korea were enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs, while 20 percent were enrolled in STEM courses of study.

For the first time this year, SEVIS data identified New York University as the school with the largest international student population, followed by the University of Southern California, Columbia University, Northeastern University and the University of Illinois. Purdue had the most international students pursuing STEM coursework.

The top 10 countries of citizenship for international students included: China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil and Mexico.